Hygienic input device for medical information systems

ABSTRACT

A system for hygienic input of data into a medical information system is provided. In one embodiment of the system, a computer terminal, a mobile wireless input tray, a mobile wireless interactive visual display system, and a wireless headset are used. During a medical procedure, the mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be positioned in an operating room near a surgeon or other medical practitioner. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be used to access patient medical information through the computer terminal. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate amongst and between each other through wireless communication links. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate with the computer terminal through wireless communication links.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to input devices for medicalinformation systems. More particularly, the present invention relates tohygienic input devices for medical information systems.

Medical information systems such as picture archiving and communicationssystems (PACS) are used to store patient information. The patientinformation stored in a PACS may include various types of informationsuch as patient medical history, imaging data, test results, anddiagnosis information. Because the various types of information may begathered at various times and in a variety of locations, the PACS systemprovides a convenient centralized storage location that provides accessto medical information from numerous locations.

One example of the numerous locations where patient information storedin a medical information system may be accessed from is within or nearoperating rooms. During the course of surgery, medical personnel maydesire to access patient information stored in a medical informationsystem. For example, medical personnel may desire to view ultrasound orCT images taken of a patient's anatomy. By accessing images of apatient's anatomy in close temporal proximity to the time of surgery,medical personnel may find it easier to navigate a patient's anatomy andmore quickly treat a patient's illness.

Alternatively, medical personnel may desire to enter new informationinto the system regarding a currently ongoing medical procedure. Forexample, medical personnel may enter a patient's name and otherinformation associated with an image being obtained during an ongoinginvasive or non-invasive medical procedure. Similarly, medical personnelmay enter diagnostic or treatment information.

In typical systems, medical personnel interact with a medicalinformation system such as a PACS through a local computer terminal. Thelocal computer terminal typically includes devices such as a keyboard ormouse. Medical personnel enter data into the computer terminal by typingon the keyboard or manipulating the mouse.

Entering data using the keyboard and mouse utilized with existingsystems requires medical personnel to physically contact the keyboard ormouse. Because the keyboard and mouse may have bacteria and other germson their surfaces, physical contact between medical personnel and eitherthe keyboard or mouse exposes medical personnel to the bacteria andother germs. Such exposure is commonly referred to as a violation of theintegrity of an individual's sterile field. To remedy violations of asterile field, medical personnel that have come into contact with anon-sterile object must re-sterilize.

For medical personnel in an operating room, re-sterilizing usuallyincludes re-scrubbing and new gloves. Consequently, each time medicalpersonnel access a typical medical information system, in or near anoperating room, by typing on a keyboard or manipulating a mouse, themedical personnel are forced to re-scrub their hands and put on newgloves. Re-scrubbing and re-gloving may become cumbersome and timeconsuming, and may discourage medical personnel from accessing medicalinformation systems.

Consequently, it may be preferable to have a system where medicalpersonnel do not have to physically contact unsterile or contaminatedinput devices to access the medical information system. In addition, itmay be preferable to have a medical information system where medicalpersonnel do not violate the integrity of the sterile field wheninteracting with the medical information system.

Also, computer terminals connected to medical information systems aresometimes installed in a fixed location like a room with a desk. Tointeract with the computer terminal, medical personnel have to trek tothe location where the computer terminal is located. With computerslimited to fixed locations, a computer terminal may not be convenientlylocated and accessible during a medical procedure.

To reduce the inconvenience of having to walk to where a computer islocated, some medical information systems use a computer terminal thatis installed on a portable structure. Like the computer terminalinstalled in a fixed location, the computer terminal installed on theportable structure is connected to a power source through a cord pluggedinto a standard floor or wall outlet. Similarly, communication betweenthe computer terminal installed on the portable structure and themedical information system is conducted through a communication wire runbetween a communication port on the computer terminal and acommunication terminal in a wall or floor jack.

While the physical connections provided by the power cord andcommunication wire provide the operability of the computer terminalinstalled on the portable structure, the physical connections also limitthe operability of the computer terminal. For example, ease of use ofthe computer terminal is hampered by the presence of the power cord andcommunication wires. First, the lengths of the power cord andcommunication wires limit the range of movement of the portablestructure. Second, medical personnel must maneuver the cord and wires inorder to position the portable structure and such maneuvering mayrequire medical personnel to violate the integrity of their sterilefield by touching the wires. Third, the cord and wires present atripping hazard for medical personnel. Fourth, unplugging the cord andcommunication wire to move the computer terminal may require rebootingthe terminal.

Consequently, it may be preferable to have a portable computer terminalthat operates without having a power cord plugged into a standard wallor floor outlet. In addition, it may be preferable to have a portablecomputer terminal that operates without having a communication wirerunning between a communication port on a computer terminal and acommunication terminal located on a floor or wall.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system forhygienic input of data into a medical information system. The system mayinclude a computer terminal, a mobile wireless input tray, a mobilewireless interactive visual display system, and/or a wireless headset.During a medical procedure, the mobile input tray, the mobile displaysystem, and/or the wireless headset may be positioned in an operatingroom near a surgeon or other medical practitioner. The mobile inputtray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be used toaccess patient medical information through the computer terminal.

The local computer terminal is linked with a remote data storage unitthrough a communication data port. The remote data storage unit storespatient medical information so that it may be accessed from multiplelocations. A user may wear the wireless headset and speak into theheadset to transmit data to the computer terminal. A user may alsolisten to data transmitted from the computer terminal to the headsetthrough speakers in an earpiece of the headset. The wireless headsettransmits data to and from the computer terminal through a wirelesscommunication link.

The mobile input tray may be positioned near a surgeon or medicalpractitioner and used to transmit data to the computer terminal througha wireless communication link. To transmit data to the local computerterminal from the mobile input tray, a user may type on a virtualkeyboard projected onto a surface of the mobile tray. A sensor detectsthe keystrokes typed on the virtual keyboard and data representing thekeystrokes is transmitted to the local computer through a wirelesscommunication link. In addition to a virtual keyboard, an operating roommouse may be included with the mobile input tray to control a screencursor on a display device and input data.

The mobile display system may be used to display medical information andto transmit data to the computer terminal. The computer transmitsmedical information such as x-ray image data to the mobile displaysystem and the mobile display system displays the x-ray image data for asurgeon or medical practitioner to view. Sensor cameras mounted on themobile display system sense movement of the surgeon's body andparticular movements are identified as computer commands and transmittedto the computer terminal. To increase mobility of the mobile displaysystem and decrease chances of violating a surgeon's sterile fieldthrough contact with power cables and communication cords, the mobiledisplay system transmits data through wireless communication links andreceives power from a portable power supply mounted on the mobiledisplay system.

Wireless communications may also occur amongst and between the mobileinput tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset inaddition to wireless communication with the computer terminal. Thewireless communications may use wireless communications standards suchas WiFi and Bluetooth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for hygienic input of data for medicalinformation systems in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobile wireless input tray for hygienic input ofdata for medical information systems in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a mobile wireless interactive visual display systemfor hygienic input of data for medical information systems in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless headset for hygienic input of data formedical information systems in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a mobile wireless inputtray for hygienic input of data for medical information systems inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive medical system 100 for hygienic inputof data into a medical information system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The interactive medical system 100includes local computer terminal 110, hard-wired keyboard 112, ahard-wired mouse 114, power outlet 120, data port 130, a wireless inputtray 200, a wireless interactive visual display system 300, a wirelessheadset 400, and a remote data storage unit 500.

The remote data storage unit 500 stores patient medical information. Thepatient medical information may include medical data such as patientidentifiers, images, lab results, medical diagnosis, and medicalhistory. The remote data storage unit 500 transfers data to and from thelocal computer terminal 110 through the data port 130.

The local computer terminal 110 may be located within an operating roomor in the vicinity of the operating room. The local computer terminal110 is used by medical personnel to access the medical informationstored in the remote data storage unit 500. The local computer terminal110 plugs into and receives electrical power from the power outlet 120.The keyboard 112 and mouse 114 plug into local computer terminal 110. Toaccess a patient's medical information and view medical data at thelocal computer terminal 110, medical personnel use their hands tomanipulate the keyboard 112 and mouse 114 to control the local computerterminal 110. For example, information requests may be typed using thekeyboard 112 or options may be selected on a screen by manipulating themouse 114.

In addition to using the keyboard 112 or the mouse 114 to requestpatient medical information and enter new patient medical information,the wireless input tray 200, the wireless interactive visual displaysystem 300, and the wireless headset 400 may be used. The wireless inputtray 200, the wireless interactive visual display system 300, and thewireless headset 400 transfer data to and from the local computerterminal 110.

In operation, a surgeon may speak into the wireless headset 400 torequest a patient's medical information. The wireless headset 400transmits the surgeon's request to the local computer terminal 110.Communication between the wireless headset 400 and the local computerterminal 110 may use wireless communication standards such as the WiFiprotocol or the Bluetooth standard. The local computer terminal 110processes the request and accesses the remote data storage unit 500 toretrieve the requested data. After the requested data has been retrievedby the local computer terminal 110 from the remote data storage unit500, the local computer terminal 110 transmits the requested data to anoutput device within the operating room.

In the interactive medical information system 100 of FIG. 1, thewireless headset 400 and the wireless interactive visual display system300 may be used as output devices. If the requested data includes audiodata, the audio data may be transmitted to either of the wirelessheadset 400 or the wireless interactive visual display system 300 foraudio playback. If the requested data includes video data, the videodata may be transmitted to the wireless interactive visual displaysystem 300 for display.

The surgeon may also speak into the wireless headset 400 to add data toa patient's medical record or issue commands to the local computerterminal 110. The wireless headset 400 transmits the data or commands tothe local computer terminal 110. The local computer terminal 110 thenexecutes commands received from the wireless headset 400 and transmitsdata to the remote data storage unit 500 for storage with the patient'sother medical information.

The surgeon may also transmit data to and request data from the localcomputer terminal 110 using the wireless input tray 200. To use thewireless input tray 200, the surgeon types textual data and commands ona keyboard on the wireless input tray 200 or manipulates a mouse on thewireless input tray 200. The wireless input tray 200 transmits the datato the local computer terminal 110. Communication between the wirelessinput tray 200 and the local computer terminal 110 may use wirelesscommunication standards such as the WiFi protocol or the Bluetoothstandard. The local computer terminal 110 then processes the datareceived from the wireless input tray 200 and accesses the remote datastorage unit 500.

Preprogrammed hand gestures or other body motions of the surgeon may bedetected by the wireless interactive visual display system 300 to enterdata and request data from the local computer terminal 110. Sensorsmounted on the wireless interactive visual display system 300 detect thesurgeon's hand gestures and body motions. Depending upon which handgesture or body motion is detected, the wireless interactive visualdisplay system 300 commands the local computer terminal 110 to performprogrammed tasks. Communication between the wireless interactive visualdisplay system 300 and the local computer terminal 110 may use wirelesscommunication standards such as the WiFi protocol or the Bluetoothstandard.

Wireless communications may also occur amongst and between the wirelessinput tray 200, the wireless interactive visual display system 300, andthe wireless headset 400 in addition to wireless communication with thecomputer terminal. For example, the wireless input tray 200 may transmitdata such as keystrokes on the virtual keyboard to the wirelessinteractive visual display system 300. The wireless communications mayuse wireless communications standards such as WiFi and Bluetooth.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the wireless input tray 200 ofFIG. 1. The wireless input tray 200 includes a medical tray 202, avirtual keyboard projector 204, and a wireless tray communication device206. The virtual keyboard projector 204 produces an optically generatedimage of a keyboard onto the top surface of the medical tray 202. Toenter patient information or commands, the surgeon touches specificzones in the optically generated image.

For example, the optically generated image may resemble a typical“QWERTY” keyboard with the projected light forming symbols and closedboundaries around the symbols. Touching within the lighted boundary of asymbol is sensed by the virtual keyboard projector 204 and input of thecorresponding symbol within the lighted boundary is registered. Data forthe input symbol is then transmitted by the wireless tray communicationdevice 206 to the local computer terminal 110.

Because the medical tray 202 may be sterilized, the wireless tray 200may be positioned within the operating room near the surgeon during theprocedure. When entering patient information or computer commands, thesurgeon may touch the images projected on the medical tray 202 withlittle concern about having to re-scrub, re-glove, or re-sterilize handsthat have touched the wireless input tray 200.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the wireless input tray200 of FIG. 2 may include an operating room mouse 208. By using theoperating room mouse 208, a surgeon may control a cursor on the localcomputer terminal 110 or the display of the wireless interactive visualdisplay system 300. Buttons 210 may be positioned on or near theoperating room mouse 208 to allow the surgeon to press the buttons 210and execute specific repetitive tasks programmed for the buttons 210 viamacros. The operating room mouse 208 may be designed to be fluidresistant and easy to sterilize in order to maintain the integrity ofthe surgeon's sterile field. An example of such an operating room mouse208 is GE's 3D in room mouse.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the wireless interactive visualdisplay system 300 of FIG. 1. The wireless interactive visual displaysystem 300 includes a display monitor 310, sensor cameras 320, a mobilepower supply 330, a wireless display communication device 340, and ascreen cursor 350.

The wireless interactive visual display system 300 is a mobile systemthat may be positioned within the operating room during a procedure.Power for the wireless interactive visual display system 300 is providedby the mobile power supply 330. Communication between the wirelessinteractive visual display system 300 and the local computer terminal110 is provided by the wireless display communication device 340. Thewireless display communication device 340 receives display data from thelocal computer terminal 110. The display data is displayed on thedisplay monitor 310.

The sensor cameras 320 detect movement and produce movement data. Themovement data is transmitted to the local computer terminal 110 by thewireless display communication device 340.

In operation, the wireless interactive visual display system 300 may bepositioned within the operating room. During a procedure, the surgeonviews patient information on the display monitor 310 or enters newpatient information. For example, the screen cursor 350 on the displaymonitor 310 may be manipulated by the surgeon during the procedurethrough preprogrammed hand movements or by using the wireless input tray200.

If new patient information is entered using the wireless input tray 200,the patient information may be transmitted to the local computerterminal 110. The local computer terminal 110 then transmits the newpatient information to the wireless interactive visual display system300. The wireless display communication device 340 receives the datafrom the local computer terminal 110 and forwards the data for displayon the display monitor 310.

If new patient information is entered using preprogrammed handmovements, or movement of other parts of the surgeon's body, the sensorcameras 320 may be used to sense the surgeon's movement and producemovement data. The movement data is then used to execute data requestsand other commands. For example, a digital keyboard may be displayed onthe display monitor 310. Side-to-side and up-down movement of thesurgeon's right hand may control left-to-right and up-down movement ofthe screen cursor 350. Forward motion of the surgeon's right hand may beprogrammed to represent a data entry function whereby the keyboardsymbol under the screen cursor 350 at the time of the forward handmotion is selected and entered. The entered data may then be transmittedto the local computer terminal 110 by the wireless display communicationdevice 340.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the wireless headset 400 of FIG. 1.The wireless headset 400 includes a microphone 410, an audio earpiece420, speakers 430, and a wireless headset communication device 440. Aperson using the wireless headset 400 speaks into the microphone 410 andlistens to audio sounds through the speakers 430 in the audio earpiece420.

In operation, the surgeon wears the wireless headset 400 within theoperating room. The surgeon may request patient data, enter informationabout the current procedure, enter computer commands, and receivepatient data using the wireless headset 400. To request patient data orenter computer commands, the surgeon speaks into the microphone 410. Therequest or command is transmitted from the wireless headsetcommunication device 440 within the audio earpiece 420 of the wirelessheadset 400 to the local computer terminal 110. The local computerterminal 110 then executes commands received from the wireless headsetcommunication device 440 within the wireless headset 400. If the surgeonrequests patient information, the local computer terminal 110 accessesthe remote data storage unit 500 and downloads the patient information.The local computer terminal 110 may then transmit the patientinformation to the wireless headset communication device 440 within thewireless headset 400 for playback through the speakers 430 in the audioearpiece 420 or the local computer terminal 110 may transmit the patientinformation to another output device such as the wireless interactivevisual display system 300.

Thus, the wireless input tray 200, the wireless interactive visualdisplay system 300, and the wireless headset 400 may be used in a systemfor hygienic input of medical information that preserve's the integrityof a surgeon's sterile field. For example, the wireless input tray 200,the wireless interactive visual display system 300, and the wirelessheadset 400 may be located within an operating room during a medicalprocedure.

Before the medical procedure, a surgeon may put on the wireless headset400. The surgeon may then sterilize the surgeon's hands by scrubbing andputting on surgical gloves.

After the medical procedure has begun, the surgeon may desire to viewexisting patient medical information stored in the remote data storageunit 500 or enter new medical information obtained during the procedure.Rather than touch an unsterile computer keyboard 112 or unsterile mouse114, which would require re-sterilizing the surgeon's hands byre-scrubbing and re-gloving, the surgeon may use the more hygienic inputdevices such as the wireless input tray 200, the wireless interactivevisual display 300, or the wireless headset 400.

By using the wireless headset 400, the surgeon's sterilized hands do notcontact an unsterile surface such as the computer keyboard 112 orcomputer mouse 114. The surgeon may speak requests and commands into themicrophone 410 of the wireless headset 400. The wireless headset 400then transmits the requests from the wireless headset communicationdevice 440 to the local computer terminal 110. The local computerterminal 110 processes the requests and commands from the wirelessheadset communication device 440 in the wireless headset 400.

For example, the surgeon may request an x-ray image be displayed on thewireless interactive display system 300 and a radiologist's analysis ofthe x-ray image be played back through the audio earpiece 420 of thewireless headset 400. The local computer terminal 110 accesses theremote data storage unit 500 and downloads data for the requested x-rayimage and audio data for the accompanying radiologist's analysis of thex-ray image. The local computer terminal 110 then transmits the data forthe x-ray image to the wireless interactive visual display system 300.The wireless display communication device 340 of the wirelessinteractive visual display system 330 receives the transmitted data forthe x-ray image. The wireless display communication device 340 forwardsthe x-ray image data to the display monitor 310 for display and viewingby the surgeon. The local computer terminal 110 also transmits audiodata for the radiologist's analysis of the x-ray image to the wirelessheadset communication device 440 of the wireless headset 400. Thewireless headset 400 receives the audio data and plays the audio databack through the speakers 430 in the audio earpiece 420 for listening bythe surgeon.

Rather than touching the non-sterile keyboard 112 or mouse 114, thesurgeon may enter patient information or computer commands using thewireless input tray 200. For example, the surgeon may type the patient'sname and diagnostic information using a virtual keyboard projected onthe wireless input tray 200. The wireless input tray 200 then transmitsthe information to the local computer terminal 110 for eventual storage.The surgeon may also use the wireless input tray 200 to control what isdisplayed on the screen of the display monitor 310 of the wirelessinteractive visual display system 300. To control what is displayed onthe display monitor 310, the surgeon may type commands using the virtualkeyboard of the wireless input tray 200 or manipulate the mouse 208 onthe wireless input tray 200 to control the screen cursor 350.

The surgeon may also command and control what is displayed on thedisplay monitor 310 with hand gestures and body motions. For example,the surgeon may move one of the surgeon's hands in the air to emulatethe movements of a computer mouse. Side-to-side and up-down movement ofthe surgeon's hand may control left-to-right and up-down movement of thescreen cursor 350. Forward motion of the surgeon's hand may beprogrammed to represent a data entry function whereby the keyboardsymbol, folder icon, or file icon under the cursor at the time of theforward hand motion is selected. If the surgeon desires to access aspecific patient file, the surgeon may search through file folders byselecting and opening various sub-folders until the appropriate patientfile is reached. The desired file may then be selected and opened usingpre-programmed hand gestures. The selected file may then be downloadedto the wireless interactive visual display system 300 for display on thedisplay monitor 310.

Because the wireless input tray 200, wireless interactive visual displaysystem 300, and the wireless headset 400 are not connected to poweroutlets and data ports with cables and wires during a medical procedure,the wireless input tray 200, wireless interactive visual display system300, and the wireless headset 400 may be freely moved about theoperating room without having to re-position power cords andcommunication wires. Also, medical personnel do not have to leave theoperating room to use a local computer terminal in order to accesspatient medical information or contact unsterile devices such as atypical computer keyboard or a typical computer mouse. Consequently, thewireless headset 400, the wireless interactive visual display system300, and the wireless tray 200 may be used for hygienic input of datawithout violating the sterile field of surgeons or other medicalpersonnel.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A medical information system including: a mobile input tray; and acomputer terminal, wherein said mobile input tray transmits data to saidcomputer terminal through a wireless communication link.
 2. The medicalinformation system of claim 1 further including a mobile display system,wherein said mobile display system receives medical information fromsaid computer terminal through a wireless communication link anddisplays said medical information.
 3. The medical information system ofclaim 1 further including a headset, wherein said headset transmits datato said computer terminal through a wireless communication link.
 4. Themedical information system of claim 1 further including a projector thatprojects a virtual keyboard onto a surface of said mobile input tray. 5.The medical information system of claim 4 wherein a user positionsfingers of said user within said projected virtual keyboard to enterdata.
 6. The medical information system of claim 5 wherein saidprojector includes a sensor for sensing the location of the fingers ofsaid user.
 7. The medical information system of claim 2 including motionsensing cameras mounted on said mobile display system, wherein saidmotion sensing cameras detect motion of a medical information systemuser and transmit motion data associated with said motion to said localcomputer through said wireless communication link.
 8. The medicalinformation system of claim 2 including a portable power supply mountedon said mobile display system for providing power to said mobile displaysystem.
 9. The medical information system of claim 1 wherein saidwireless communication link between said mobile input tray and saidlocal computer terminal is a WiFi communication link.
 10. The medicalinformation system of claim 1 wherein said wireless communication linkbetween said mobile input tray and said local computer terminal is aBluetooth communication link.
 11. A method for transferring data in amedical information system including: providing a computer terminal,wherein said computer terminal provides access to medical information;and transmitting data from a mobile input tray to said computer terminalthrough a wireless communication link.
 12. The method of claim 11including displaying medical information on a mobile display system,wherein said mobile display system receives medical information fromsaid computer terminal through a wireless communication link.
 13. Themethod of claim 11 including transmitting data to said computer terminalfrom a headset, wherein said headset transmits data through a wirelesscommunication link.
 14. The method of claim 11 including projecting avirtual keyboard onto a surface of said mobile input tray using aprojector.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein a user positions fingersof said user within said projected virtual keyboard to enter data. 16.The method of claim 15 wherein said projector includes a sensor forsensing the location of the fingers of said user.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 including: sensing motion of a medical information system userwith motion sensing cameras mounted on said mobile display system; andtransmitting motion data associated with said motion to said localcomputer through a wireless communication link.
 18. The method of claim12 including supplying power to said mobile display system with aportable power supply mounted on said mobile display system.
 19. Themethod of claim 11 wherein said wireless communication link between saidmobile input tray and said local computer terminal is a WiFicommunication link.
 20. The method of claim 11 wherein said wirelesscommunication link between said mobile input tray and said localcomputer terminal is a Bluetooth communication link.